J. Church Essentials

J. Church was the brainchild of Lance Hahn, a sensitive-but-sarcastic songwriter in love with British bands like The Smiths and The Wedding Present. Formed in '92, the group established themselves in the Bay Area punk scene, eventually building a cult following around the world thanks to heavy touring and a prolific release schedule. While peers like Green Day were signing to majors, Hahn stayed true to his indie roots, beloved as much for his DIY ideals as his literate, often darkly funny songs about romance. Hahn died of kidney disease in '07, at age 40.